Parenting in an Unsafe World: Mother–Infant Bonding, Maternal Emotional Availability, and Support Systems During Partners’ Wartime Deployment

The transition to first-time motherhood may be especially challenging during armed conflict and prolonged partner absence. This study explored first-time mothers’ experiences of mother–infant bonding and their perceived capacity to remain emotionally available, responsive, and soothing during their partners’ wartime military or security service. A secondary qualitative analysis was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 20 first-time mothers in conflict-affected areas whose partners were absent for extended periods. Their infants were 6–18 months old at the interview. Transcripts were analyzed thematically through an attachment-informed lens. Four interrelated themes were identified: (1) bonding in an unsafe world, marked by gradual connection and tensions between maternal ideals and lived experience; (2) being a safe haven while maternal security was threatened; (3) caregiving and perceived mutual regulation under emotional overload; and (4) family, professional, and community support as conditions for maternal availability. Ongoing threat, partner absence, and limited rest constrained perceived emotional availability, whereas mothers described relational and practical support as sustaining security, rest, and functioning. Bonding developed within an interconnected context of threat, caregiving demands, and support. Strengthening family, health-service, and community support may help sustain maternal availability and early relational health during wartime.